U.S. patent application number 11/612204 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-19 for detachable post-operative protective device for the toes and forefoot.
Invention is credited to Christopher P. CHIODO, Brent G. PARKS, David A. RINI, Lew C. SCHON.
Application Number | 20080141565 11/612204 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39525438 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080141565 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
RINI; David A. ; et
al. |
June 19, 2008 |
DETACHABLE POST-OPERATIVE PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR THE TOES AND
FOREFOOT
Abstract
A protective member having a substantially flat base portion,
and a substantially cup-shaped member extending from a forward end
of the base portion. The base portion is attachable to a shoe, such
that the cup-shaped member substantially encapsulates and protects
a forefoot and toe region. Further, at least one opening is
provided in a forward portion of the cup-shaped member to allow
access to the forefoot and toe region. The cup-shaped member is
further defined by an anterior portion extending upward from the
base portion, a dorsal extension portion extending from an upper
end of the anterior portion, where the dorsal extension portion
provided to substantially cover a top portion of the forefoot and
toe region, and at least one lateral extension portion extending
from a side end of the anterior portion, where the at least one
lateral extension portion provided to substantially cover a lateral
portion of said forefoot and toe region.
Inventors: |
RINI; David A.; (Monkton,
MD) ; PARKS; Brent G.; (West Friendship, MD) ;
CHIODO; Christopher P.; (Walpole, MA) ; SCHON; Lew
C.; (Baltimore, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W., SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
US
|
Family ID: |
39525438 |
Appl. No.: |
11/612204 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/77R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 5/0195 20130101;
A43B 7/00 20130101; A43B 23/087 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/77.R |
International
Class: |
A43C 13/14 20060101
A43C013/14; A43B 23/08 20060101 A43B023/08 |
Claims
1. A protective member comprising: a substantially flat base
portion; a substantially cup-shaped member extending from a forward
end of said base portion, wherein said base portion is attachable
to a shoe, such that said cup-shaped member substantially
encapsulates and protects a forefoot and toe region, and wherein at
least one opening is provided in a forward portion of said
cup-shaped member to allow access to said forefoot and toe
region.
2. The protective member according to claim 1, wherein the
cup-shaped member comprises: an anterior portion extending upward
from said base portion; a dorsal extension portion extending from
an upper end of said anterior portion, said dorsal extension
portion provided to substantially cover a top portion of said
forefoot and toe region; and at least one lateral extension portion
extending from a side end of said anterior portion, said at least
one lateral extension portion provided to substantially cover a
lateral portion of said forefoot and toe region.
3. The protective member according to claim 2, wherein said at
least one opening is defined by a space provided between said
dorsal extension portion and said at least one lateral extension
portion and a space provided between said at least one lateral
extension portion and said base portion.
4. The protective member according to claim 2, wherein said
anterior portion is curved outward in a forward direction relative
to said base portion, such that a forward clearance is provided
between said forefoot and toe region and an inner surface of said
anterior portion.
5. The protective member according to claim 2, wherein said at
least one lateral extension portion is curved outward in a lateral
direction relative to said base portion, such that a side clearance
is formed between said forefoot and toe region and an inner surface
of said at least one lateral extension portion.
6. The protective member according to claim 2, wherein two lateral
extension portions are provided, such that one lateral extension
portion extends from a left side of said anterior portion and a
second lateral extension portion extends from a right side of said
anterior portion.
7. The protective member according to claim 1, wherein said
cup-shaped member is bendable.
8. The protective member according to claim 2, wherein a top
clearance is provided between said forefoot and toe region and an
inner surface of said dorsal extension portion.
9. The protective member according to claim 1, wherein said base
portion is substantially rectangular shaped.
10. The protective member according to claim 1, wherein said base
portion is substantially horseshoe shaped.
11. The protective member according to claim 1, wherein said base
portion is tapered from said forward end to a rear end.
12. A protective shoe comprising: a sole; an insole disposed on top
of said sole; and a protective member; said protective member
comprising: a substantially flat base portion held between said
sole and insole and attached to a forward end of said sole; a
substantially cup-shaped member extending from a forward end of
said base portion, such that said cup-shaped member substantially
encapsulates and protects a forefoot and toe region, and wherein at
least one opening is provided in a forward portion of said
cup-shaped member to allow access to said forefoot and toe
region
13. The protective shoe according to claim 12, wherein the
cup-shaped member comprises: an anterior portion extending upward
from said base portion; a dorsal extension portion extending from
an upper end of said anterior portion, said dorsal extension
portion provided to substantially cover a top portion of said
forefoot and toe region; and at least one lateral extension portion
extending from a side end of said anterior portion, said at least
one lateral extension portion provided to substantially cover a
lateral portion of said forefoot and toe region.
14. The protective shoe according to claim 13, wherein said at
least one opening is defined by a space provided between said
dorsal extension portion and said at least one lateral extension
portion and a space provided between said at least one lateral
extension portion and said base portion.
15. The protective member according to claim 12, wherein said base
portion is attached to said sole via a mounting portion.
16. The protective member according to claim 15, wherein said
mounting portion comprises an adhesive member.
17. The protective member according to claim 12, wherein said base
portion extends to a metatarsal head of a foot.
18. The protective member according to claim 13, wherein said
anterior portion is curved outward in a forward direction relative
to said base portion, such that a forward clearance is provided
between said forefoot and toe region and an inner surface of said
anterior portion.
19. The protective member according to claim 13, wherein said at
least one lateral extension portion is curved outward in a lateral
direction relative to said base portion, such that a side clearance
is formed between said forefoot and toe region and an inner surface
of said at least one lateral extension portion.
20. The protective member according to claim 13, wherein two
lateral extension portions are provided, such that one lateral
extension portion extends from a left side of said anterior portion
and a second lateral extension portion extends from a right side of
said anterior portion.
21. The protective member according to claim 12, wherein said
cup-shaped member is bendable.
22. The protective member according to claim 13, wherein a top
clearance is provided between said forefoot and toe region and an
inner surface of said dorsal extension portion.
23. The protective member according to claim 12, wherein said base
portion is substantially rectangular shaped.
24. The protective member according to claim 12, wherein said base
portion is substantially horseshoe shaped.
25. The protective member according to claim 12, wherein said base
portion is tapered from said forward end to a rear end.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a protective
device for the toes and forefoot, the protective device being
detachable from a shoe or other suitable footgear.
[0002] Following orthopedic surgery or injury of the forefoot, a
patient may be required to wear a type of orthopedic shoe to
protect the toes and forefoot. For example, after a bunionectomy or
hammer-toe correction surgery, fixation pins are left protruding
from the patient's toes during the healing process. Therefore, the
wound area must be protected from further injury or infection. In
related protective members, the entire toe area is covered or
encased. Such members, however, do not allow for easy visual
inspection or access to the wound area without prior removal of the
protective member.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In view of the foregoing, aspects of the present invention
are provided to allow for easy visual inspection of a wound area
without removal of the protective member, while at the same time
protecting the wound area and preventing clothing, bed linens,
etc., from being snagged on the wound area.
[0004] In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a protective
member is provided. The protective member has a substantially flat
base portion, and a substantially cup-shaped member extending from
a forward end of the base portion. The base portion is attachable
to a shoe, such that the cup-shaped member substantially
encapsulates and protects a forefoot and toe region. Further, at
least one opening is provided in a forward portion of the
cup-shaped member to allow access to the forefoot and toe region.
The cup-shaped member is further defined by an anterior portion
extending upward from the base portion, a dorsal extension portion
extending from an upper end of the anterior portion, where the
dorsal extension portion provided to substantially cover a top
portion of the forefoot and toe region, and at least one lateral
extension portion extending from a side end of the anterior
portion, where the at least one lateral extension portion provided
to substantially cover a lateral portion of said forefoot and toe
region.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Aspects of illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of the
present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail
embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings in
which:
[0006] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a protective member;
[0007] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the protective member in regard
to placement of a patient's foot;
[0008] FIG. 3A shows a bottom view of the protective member with
adhesive strip;
[0009] FIG. 3B shows a bottom view of the protective member in a
horseshoe shape variant of the base portion;
[0010] FIG. 4A shows a front view of the protective member; and
[0011] FIG. 4B shows a cross-section of line A-A of FIG. 4A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The following description of illustrative, non-limiting
embodiments of the invention discloses specific configurations and
components. However, the embodiments are merely examples of the
present invention, and thus, the specific features described below
are merely used to more easily describe such embodiments and to
provide an overall understanding of the present invention.
Accordingly, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that the
present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments
described below. Furthermore, the descriptions of various
configurations and components of the present invention that are
known to one skilled in the art are omitted for the sake of clarity
and brevity.
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a protective device for the toes and forefoot
according to an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of the
present invention. As shown, a protective member 10 has a
substantially flat base portion 20 and a semi-rigid, substantially
cup-shaped member 30 extending from a forward end of the base
portion 20. The cup-shaped member 30 is provided with an anterior
portion 40 extending upward from the base portion 20, a dorsal
extension portion 50 extending from an upper end of the anterior
portion 40, lateral extension portions 60 extending from a side end
of the anterior portion 40, a space 70 provided between the dorsal
extension portion 50 and the lateral extension portions 60 and a
space 80 provided between the lateral extension portions 60 and the
base portion 20.
[0014] The protective member 10 should be strong enough to
withstand impact with objects, etc, but preferably bendable such
that the anterior portion 40 and lateral extension portions 60 can
be bent inwardly or outwardly to accommodate varying size forefeet
(i.e., semi-rigid). The protective member 10 may be injection
molded (low cost) and may be made of polypropylene or other
suitable materials such as nylon or other plastics. The entire
protective member 10, or just merely the base portion 20 of the
protective member 10, can alternatively be made of metal.
[0015] As shown in the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 2, the
cup-shaped member 30 defines a receiving area for housing and
protecting a forefoot and toes. Further, the spaces 70, 80 allow
for visual inspection of the forefoot and toes when they are housed
in the cup-shaped member 30 without the need of removing the
protective member 10. Accordingly, the patient, family and
healthcare providers are provided with easy access to the wound
area for proper monitoring of concerns such as infection, swelling,
poor blood flow or other important clinical signs. As further shown
in FIG. 2, the protective member 10 is preferably held between a
sole 90 and insole 100 of a post-operative shoe (not shown).
Specifically, the forward end of the base plate of the protective
member 10 is aligned with a forward end of the insole 100. Since
the anterior portion 40 of the protective member 10 is curved
outward in a forward direction from the base portion 20, sufficient
clearance is provided for fixation pins that may be left protruding
from the patient's toes following surgery. Similarly, since the
dorsal extension portion 50 and the lateral extension portions 60
curve around and over the forefoot and toes, sufficient clearance
is provided for fixation pins, swelling, etc., due to surgery,
while at the same time, providing protection from falling objects,
clothing, contact with objects such as furniture, etc. The spacing
or clearance provided by the protective device can also accommodate
post-operative padding, dressings, gauze and support material as
needed.
[0016] As further shown in FIG. 2, the base portion 20 preferably
extends to just behind the metatarsal head or plantar of the foot
(i.e., the portion of the foot that contacts the insole 100).
However, the base portion can alternatively be formed to extend the
entire length of the foot or insole 100.
[0017] As shown in the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 3A, the base
portion 20 is substantially rectangular shaped, but can be formed
of any other suitable shape. For example, the non-limiting
embodiment of FIG. 3B shows the base portion 20 formed as a
horseshoe shape. The opening provided by the horseshoe variant
helps to reduce pressure or stress on the forefoot of the patient
while standing or walking. Also, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a
mounting portion 110 in the form of an adhesive member may be
provided on the bottom surface of the base portion 20. The adhesive
member (110) can be formed of a double-sided adhesive having a
release paper attached thereto. As shown in FIG. 2, the adhesive
member (110) is attached to a sole 90 of a post-operative shoe (not
shown). An adhesive member can also be provided on a top surface of
the base portion 20 if needed. The adhesive member (110) allows the
protective member 10 to be readily attached and detached from the
shoe sole 90. Alternatively, different types of mounting portions
110 may be provided such as VELCRO.RTM., snaps, connection tabs,
etc.
[0018] Also, as viewable in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the lateral extension
portions 60 form a substantially square shape that follows the
contour of an insole 100 to which the protective member 10 is
attached. This allows the protective member 10 to be used for
either a right or left foot. The lateral extension portions 60 can
alternatively form a more circular shape around the forefoot.
[0019] A front view of the protective member 10 is shown in FIG.
4A. The space 80 provided between the lateral extension portions 60
and the base portion 20 is more clearly seen in this view. A
cross-section, taken along line A-A of FIG. 4A is shown in FIG. 4B.
As shown in FIG. 4B, the base portion 20 may be tapered from a
forward end to a rear end. Such tapering reduces a ridge between
the base portion 20 and the insole 100 and helps to alleviate the
stress or pressure that the base portion 20 exerts on the forefoot.
As merely exemplary, the base portion 20 is shown to taper from 3
mm to 1.5 mm.
[0020] The previous description of the non-limiting embodiments is
provided to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the
present invention. Moreover, various modifications to these
embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art,
and the generic principles and specific examples defined herein may
be applied to other embodiments without the use of inventive
faculty. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be
limited to the embodiments described herein, but is to be accorded
the widest possible scope as defined by the recitations of the
claims and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *